Virtual Immersive Reality for Transformative University Education (VIRTUE) Network

The education sector is on the cusp of a significant transformation, with technology playing a pivotal role in shaping future learning environments. Virtual Immersive Reality (VIR) represents a frontier in educational technology, offering unparalleled opportunities for engagement, accessibility, and pedagogical innovation.

The REEdI project at MTU has established the VIRTUE Network to harness the collective benefit of VIR technologies to revolutionise the educational experience, making it more dynamic, inclusive, and aligned with the digital age’s evolving needs. By integrating VIR technologies into the educational framework, VIRTUE seeks to enhance the teaching and learning experience across national educational institutions. It is essential for more enhanced and cohesive collaboration among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for the effective implementation and integration of immersive technologies.

The emphasis is on collaboration, not competition. Together we can shape the future.​

VIRTUE seeks to:

  • Form a collaborative network of partners active in the VIR space in higher education
  • Develop a comprehensive national framework to enhance the educational experience which includes standardising the use of virtual immersive reality in educational settings and ensuring consistent quality across institutions.
  • Formulate policies that govern the ethical, effective, and equitable use of virtual immersive reality in education. This involves aligning VIRTUE’s objectives with existing national education policies and addressing potential challenges related to technology integration.
  • Collectively leverage immersive technologies to create more engaging, interactive, and accessible learning environments. This includes focusing on inclusivity and ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds can benefit from these advanced educational tools.
  • Establish a platform for educational institutions to collaborate, and share resources, and expertise in the field of immersive reality, facilitating a more cohesive approach to educational technology implementation and innovation in higher education.
  • Build capacity and increase accessibility of VIR tools by providing guidance, good practice training, and resources to educators and institutions to effectively integrate VIR technologies.

The Virtual and Immersive Solutions for Integrated Educational Needs (VISIEN) Framework represents a pioneering effort to standardize the integration of immersive technologies into education. Developed collaboratively within the VIRTUE Network, this framework establishes clear guidelines for quality assurance, ethical use, and accessibility, ensuring consistency and scalability across diverse academic institutions. Rooted in innovation and inclusivity, VISIEN provides educators, administrators, and policymakers with practical tools and strategies to leverage immersive technologies effectively, fostering enhanced teaching, research, and student engagement. By aligning with national education goals, the framework paves the way for a cohesive and transformative approach to education in the digital age.

View the full document HERE.